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Fairy Tales.
There are so
many great reasons to study classical mythology with your children.
First and foremost, Roman and Greek mythology contains stories
that are quite exciting – full of heroes and heroines –
that even small children enjoy very much. Older students can understand
what many of these tales have to say about human nature, and will
also begin to notice the literary devices and symbolism used throughout
these tales. Moreover, after studying mythology, popular allusions
will make much more sense – an “Achilles heel”,
a “Herculean task”, and “By Jove.
In this mini unit study, you can: read all about the characters
in the Greek and Roman pantheons - including how they compare,
take online quizzes to test your knowledge, work on a New
York Times crossword puzzle on mythology together, learn
about the role of mythical storytelling in Greek pottery, make
your own Greek vase, and send postcards from Greek or Roman gods
and goddesses to either Zeus or Jupiter.
Reading
An
online version of one of the “classics” on classical
mythology. Organized by volume (Greek and Roman mythology is in
Volume 1) – and good site organization makes it easy to
read online for older students (middle school and up).
Think you now know everything about the mythological heroes? Quiz
your knowledge and find out. Below are two different quizzes on
classical mythology – one is easy and one much more challenging.
Test your mythology
knowledge with this New York Times crossword puzzle on
mythology. Warning – this is one tough puzzle – we
recommend that children do this one together with an adult.
Ancient Greek pottery tells stories using mythological characters.
In this web lesson, you will become familiar with a variety of
Greek pottery shapes and functions. Then see what heroes, goddesses,
and related stories you can find in these pottery examples shown.
After you have looked at examples of Greek pottery – it
is time to make your own out of styrofoam cups and oil pastels
– complete with a story with your favorite character.
As you study mythology, write postcards from at least 10 of your
favorite Greek or Roman mythological characters to either Zeus
(Greek) or Jupiter (Roman).
Begin with blank postcards, which you can buy at any stationary
supply store. Illustrate the front of the card with a drawing
of the god or goddess that the card is “from”, or
decorate it with examples of Greek scenery or artwork. Next, address
the card to either Zeus or Jupiter. Then write the message to
him – be sure to include details that only your god or goddess
would know! When you are finished with all of your cards, use
a hole punch to punch a hole in each postcard in the center of
the left-hand edge. Use yarn to tie the cards together into a
pack.
Recommended
Resource
Classic Myths To Read Aloud: The Great Stories
of Greek and Roman Mythology
I first became acquainted with this wonderful book when we were
putting together the upcoming issue on Ancient Rome. The literature
study guide for ages 4-8, “Cupid and Psyche” comes
from this book.
The author, William Russell, believes that an understanding and
appreciation of the classical myths are an essential part in becoming
a literate person. Therefore, he recommends that we introduce
children to these tales orally, as they were originally told,
and at a young age (~5). In this book, he tells each story in
the type of language familiar to any reader of fairy tales.
The book is divided into two sections: Listening Level 1 (Ages
5 and up) and Listening Level II (Ages 8 and up). In addition,
at the end of each tale, he includes a section called a “few
words more” that discusses the origins of some of the words
in the story. This section isn’t meant to be read aloud,
but it is fun for the adult or older student doing the reading!
So, turn bedtime reading over to the tales of the ancient Greeks
and Romans. Or start a tradition of after lunch or dinner family
reading - with the older kids or adults reading the tales to the
youngest.
